Chronic stress is a pervasive aspect of life for far too many people in the United States of America. Research indicates that this continual stress may be contributing to a number of health conditions that affect many of our families. Obesity, heart disease, digestive issues, and mental health disorders are just a few examples. Another well-known example is migraines. So what is the link between migraines and stress.
The Link Between Migraines and Stress
What Are Migraines?
A migraine is a severe headache that usually lasts 4 to 72 hours. While normal headaches can be unpleasant, migraines can be completely debilitating. In addition to a throbbing sensation, someone experiencing a migraine may feel nauseated, vomit, and notice a sensitivity to light or sound.
Some people who experience migraines on a regular basis may learn to recognize triggers that commonly precede their migraines. These can vary, but triggers usually take the form of visual disturbances. Flashes of light, blind spots, and a tingling sensation are common examples.
How Does Stress Influence Migraines?
Researchers have found that 4 out of 5 people who experience frequent migraines believe that their headaches are triggered by stress. While it can be difficult to evaluate their assertions in a quantitative manner, additional scientific research does support the idea that stress and migraines are likely connected.
Scientists studying migraines believe that they may prove caused by chemical changes in the brain. Specifically, the theory argues that fluctuations in serotonin, a hormone that is key to stress and pain, may be responsible for the onset of migraines.
In fact, in controlled studies researchers found that noticeable reductions in stress did seem to correlate with a reduced likelihood of the participants experiencing a migraine within the following 24 hours.
How Can I Treat Migraines at Home?
Migraines can be debilitating. And it isn’t necessarily safe for a person experiencing a migraine to drive themselves to the doctor’s office. That begs the question, though. What can you do to give yourself some relief until you feel well enough to go to the doctor?
An over-the-counter pain medication may not relieve all of your symptoms. But it is important to not exceed the recommended dosage. If you’re still experiencing symptoms, try laying down in a dark, quiet room. If you’re up to it and have some in the pantry, brew yourself a cup of ginger tea to sip on for the nausea.
With any luck these home remedies will help provide you some relief until your migraine passes.
When Should I Go to the Doctor for My Migraines?
If you experience a migraine, then you should talk to your doctor about migraine relief treatment in Orange County. While it could be months until your next migraine, it may happen a lot faster than you expect, especially if you’re under stress.
With the help of your doctor, you can develop working strategies for reducing the frequency of your migraines and treating them effectively when they do occur. No one should end up left to suffer without help. So talk to your doctor as soon as you suspect you may experiencing migraines.
Can Migraines Be Cured?
At this time, we do not have a definitive cure for migraines. However, there are a number of treatments and options for professional pain management in Orange County that can help to make your migraines far more manageable.
To learn more about current treatments and pain management strategies, talk to your Orange County pain doctor. Based on your medical history and personal experience with migraines, your doctor can help you create a functioning treatment plan for long-term migraine relief.
